"I think people need to remember firstly that prevention is better than cure and if they're going to go into the water they'll need to wear some stinger protection, either a formal stinger suit or if they're only wading to go fishing then a pair of pantyhose or something of that nature," he said.

"If they're swimming offshore they'll need a stinger suit as well."

He says the number of people presenting with stings is starting to increase now, much later than usual.

"Surprisingly this year we were expecting to see more given that it's been so hot but for some reason we haven't, I'm not sure of the reason behind that," he said.

"A marine biologist might be able to explain that but it could be that the peak temperatures lag about a month behind the summer solstice, so it could be that we'll go into the main season now instead of over Christmas."

Balgal Beach

Meanwhile, lifeguards have removed two bucket-sized box jellyfish from a popular swimming area north of Townsville.

The deadly stingers were discovered at Balgal Beach yesterday during routine drags of the water.

You have no doubt been hearing a lot about the Paris Agreement and know that it pertains to climate change, but are too embarrassed at this stage to ask for an overall explanation of what it's all about.